* Swapped in Choc V2 switches, updated routing and outline
Removed redundant groundplane routing
Created double sided chocV2 footprint based on the kbd repo

* Updated readme.

* Added images

* Added images to Readme, fixed formatting

* Added gerbers

* Routing and edgecut cleanup, DRC error fixes

* Fixed drill layer misalingment and regenerated Gerbers

* Updated readme with pcb ordering instructions

* Added branding and rebuilt gerbers

* Moved Blackpill l closer to top edge to accomidate wide-lipped usb-c

* Revised footprint for better Cherry MX 3-pin support
Added teardrops
Revised GND zone params to allow islands
Removed unneeded island creating vias
wiring tweaks

* Adjusted footprint to include Gateron low profile, TTC low profile & cherry low-profile
Rebuilt teardrops
rebuilt ziones

* Fixed LH traces after footprint rework

* Updated readme

* Fixed MUR340 Hybrid footprint
Regenerated .dsn for autorouting

* Swapped in 'kitckitchen sink' switch footprints
Updated trrs jack
poke-yoke Blackpill masking

* Added jlcpcb order number silkscreen
updated version numbering

* Added speaker

* Moved piezo knockout below blackpill

* Modified Choc V2 3rd pin solder pads

* Moved ChocV2 3rd pin, made hotswop pads larger

* Updated choc v2 footprint to match kbd by foostan

* Updated branding, readme, and fixed drc breaks
THIS VERSION WAS SENT OUT FOR PRODUCTION

* Added upcharge notes from test run

* Added breakoff pinky cluster

* Updated breakoff pinky to not cut into hotswop pads

* Fixed broken keys with isolated ground planes
Moved footprints into repo
Connected some ground pins on switch footrpint
Updated docs with broken key notes

* Updated switch footrpints

* Footprint tweaks

* Added updated pic for v1.4

* Fixed choc 2nd min misalingment
Revised 'everything' footprint:
combined red-dragon and MX hole
removed organic masks in leiu of exotic annular rings
fixed malformed edge shapes

* Updated docs and fixed footprint mask

* Footprint cleanup
reverted branding to older MX specific style

* Fixed trrs footprint
added key numbering
cleaned up wiring between blackpill holes

* Removed speaker

* Sent this version out for production test (v1.5)

* Updated readme notes

* Added tentin puck

* Trace cleanup

* Updated trrs silks, bumped font size

* Consolidated cantor mx only footprints
Removed masterkey footprint library
Removed text from tenting puck footprint

* v1.5 tested successfuly

* Checkpoint commit

* Cleanup for PR

* Added gerber zip and Notes

* Updated honey-do

* Ignore cantore mx backup subdirectory

* Ignore Cantor MX backup subdirectory

* Exclude Cantor Classic KiCad backups from git

* Corner radius doubled next to TRRS jack

* Removed pinky snap-off ditch nubs

* Break-out point thickness increased
Thicker breakout points allowed for removal of GND traces on pinky column
Regenerated teardrops and planes

* Rounded corners using plugin
Fixed tiny-chunk traces that were preventing corner rounding
Regenerated tear drops
Regenerated zones
Updated versioning from 1.51 to 1.6

* Fixed malformed rounded corner trace
Regenerated Gerbers
Updated branding URL

* Udated trace connection for switch 11

* Revised branding/attribution

* Fixed rounded trace corner under MCU

* Regenerated Gerbers
Removed small ground zone island
Added vias to connect large GND zone islands
Fixed unrounded traces
Udated branding and attribution

* Pulled in changes from main, reverted readme

* Removed duplicate GND zone on front
Removed unused GND zone front/back vias
Fixed malformed trace on pin 4

* Moved front traces under MCU to back
Minor trace cleanup

* Dialed in teardrops
Moved most horizontal traces under MCU to back
Backside silk logo tweak
Updated drawing sheets attributions and versions
Regenerated Gerbers

* Fixed gerber mystery trace bug
Ran 'Cleanup track and vias' and it wiped out the mystery trace
Also reset origin points
regenrated Gerbers & zips

* Added note to BOM about tenting pucks
fixed readme spelling error
removed Cantor MX backups

2023-11-05 20:48:06 +01:00

5.2 KiB

Raw Blame History

Cantor Keyboard

The Cantor keyboard is a 42 key diodeless split keyboard, designed with simplicity in mind. It is inspired on the popular corne, ferris and sweep keyboards, aiming to provide a more ergonomic (stronger column stagger) corne-like layout with a simple, easy to assemble and cheap design.

There are two versions of the Cantor:

The Cantor Classic uses choc switches with choc spacing. Therefore, only MBK keycaps can be used.

The Cantor MX uses either choc V1, choc V2, or MX switches with the slightly larger MX spacing. Keycaps for MX stems can be used. (OEM/SA/XDM/Cherry, etc.)

Why diodeless?

A diodeless design reduces the keyboard assembly time, as the amount of components to solder is significantly reduced. Moreover, soldering diodes can cause trouble during the keyboard build. Diodes need to be placed in the correct direction, if not, the keys won't work well! Eliminating diodes will prevent many errors during the assembly process.

Disclaimers

All the designs and files are provided "AS IS" without any warranty or support.

Design philosophy

The Cantor is designed with the following goals:

Comfort
Powerful
Low cost
Simplicity
Ease of build
USB-C
No diodes

The PCB is reversible to reduce manufacturing costs.

Getting started

Would you like to build this keyboard? Then continue reading!

You can also buy a kit to build the Cantor keyboard from one of the honorable sponsors:

Bill of Materials

To build the keyboard, you will need the following materials:

Cantor Classic:

2x PCB boards (both are equal since they are reversible)
2x STM32F401CC blackpill microcontrollers (they are cheap on aliexpress)
Pins and sockets for the microcontrollers (blackpill needs 20 pin stripes)
42 Choc v1 switches
42 MBK keycaps
Some little rubber feet/bumpers (recommended 6 mm of diameter)
2x TRRS jacks (PJ-320A)
1x TRRS cable
1x USB cable compatible with your computer and the blackpill

Cantor MX

Same as the classic, but switches can be choc v1, choc v2, MX 5 pin, or MX 3pin, and the compatible keycaps for chosen switches. MX 5 pin are preferable to 3 pin because they have more points of contact with the PCB.
Cantor MX has slots for optional 'Tenting pucks'. They can be purchased or 3d printed.

Order the PCB

Download the gerber file from releases, and submit it to your favorite PCB manufacturer. The keyboard designs have been tested with JLCPCB. More details on the ordering process can be found in the PCB Ordering Guide.

Note: if you don't want a random tracking number to be printed in the PCB, make sure to select the option 'Remove Order Number' in JLCPCB.

How to Build

To build the keyboard, you'll also need a soldering iron and some tin. Follow the build guide.

Firmware

The Cantor keyboard uses the QMK firmware. Firmware for this keyboard is coming soon to the main QMK repository with this PR.

To flash the firmware to the microcontroller connect the blackpill to your computer and set it to bootloader mode. To do this the first time:

Press and hold the BOOT0 button.
Press and release the NRST button.
Release the BOOT0 button.

The following times you want to flash the keyboard, it is much simpler thanks to bootmagic. Hold the top left key of the keyboard and plug the microcontroller. If flashing the right part, hold the top right key.

Feedback

If you have build this keyboard, please fill this form to provide feedback. This will help to improve the keyboard design in future revisions.

Also, you can open an issue reporting any problem or feature request.

Support

The development of a keyboard takes time and money. If you like this keyboard a want to support me for the work and to develop future revisions of the keyboard, consider donating:

PayPal: GitHub: Here

Honorable sponsors

Thank you very much to everyone contributing and/or sponsoring this project. Special thanks to the honorable sponsors:

5.2 KiB Raw Blame History